Best Time to Visit the Top Nigerian Cities (2025 Travel Guide)

Confidence NwaobiOctober 2, 20250861 views

Nigeria is a country of contrasts: lush rainforests, dry highlands, sandy savannahs, bustling urban centres, and slow-paced towns where time seems to stand still. The weather, festivals, and moods shift dramatically depending on where you are.

If you want to catch these cities at their absolute best, it’s helpful to plan your trip when they’re in full bloom. Let’s journey through ten of Nigeria’s most beloved cities, where you can enjoy sunshine, celebrations, and memories, without too much sweat or storms.

Lagos – December Through February

Lagos is similar to a friend who is always lively and active. Vibrant, loud, and colourful, but also scorching if you pick the wrong season. The best time to visit Lagos is during the dry season, specifically from December to February.

That’s when the humidity drops a bit, there’s less rain, and you can actually move around without being soaked. December brings “Detty December”; the streets buzz with festive energy, concerts, beach hangouts and art shows everywhere you look.

If you’re into nightlife, fashion, food, or just people-watching, that’s your moment. Be ready for crowds, though; it gets busy. Bring lightweight clothes, sunglasses, and a good pair of walking shoes for exploring beaches, markets, and the Lekki waterfront; all of these locations feel more magical during this time.

Abuja – November to Early April

The capital shines from November through early April, even though it’s cooler than you might expect for much of the year. That’s when the dry season holds off heavy rain, skies are clearer, and the harmattan breeze gives the city a break from humidity.

Visiting Aso Rock or Millennium Park, or taking scenic drives around the outskirts, is much more comfortable during those months.

The stretch from December to January often sees special events, holiday celebrations, and visitors from within Nigeria and beyond, so if you want both beauty and activity, that window is golden. The rainy season, from approximately May to October, typically brings heavier downpours that can disrupt outdoor plans.

Calabar – December is King

For Calabar, December is its crowning jewel, primarily because of the massive Calabar Carnival: loud, proud, parade-filled, colourful, and joyful—a month of events that bring the city alive in ways few other times do.

Streets decorated, music pounding, people dancing, visitors from everywhere flocking in. Outside of December, though Calabar remains charming, green, calm, and full of historic houses, river cruises, museums, and beautiful forested surroundings, it lacks that explosion of energy.

If your calendar allows, carve out December for Calabar. Furthermore, plan: accommodations fill up, and flights get pricier. Best to book early.

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Kano – November to February & Festival Periods

Kano is steeped in history, with ancient walls, royal palaces, dye pits, a thriving trade, and centuries of rich culture. To experience it fully, aim for November through February, when the harmattan dust cools the air, the skies are hazy but pleasant, and the city feels easier to stroll through.

Also, try to time your trip with the Durbar Festival, which occurs during certain Islamic holidays (often Eid) when horse parades, royal displays, drumming, and vibrant costumes come alive, all set against a backdrop of history and spectacle.

The festivity turns the city into a living museum, and the cooler months help you enjoy it without sweating too much.

Jos – Anytime, Especially Late Year through Early Next Year

Jos might just be Nigeria’s retreat city. Up on the Plateau, the air is cooler, the mornings are often misty, and the green hills are calming.

You can visit at almost any time and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Still, the period from November to February tends to offer top-tier weather, characterised by crisp air, low rainfall, and clear skies. Hiking up Shere Hills or walking through Jos Wildlife Park feels effortless.

Later in the year, around July or August, you may experience showers or occasional storms, which can make some roads muddy. If you like mountains, peaceful mornings, and a break from the heat, Jos in its cooler stretch is unbeatable.

Port Harcourt – December through March

Down in the Niger Delta, Port Harcourt has its own rhythm. Rain can be heavy, humidity high, and afternoons unpredictable. December through March typically experiences lighter rainfall, more stable skies, and easier travel around the city and river areas.

If you want to enjoy the beaches, discover local dining, take boat rides, and explore the waterways, this stretch gives you more predictable days. Additionally, festival seasons and end-of-year events often occur during this time, providing both locals and tourists with opportunities to celebrate.

Avoid the heart of the rainy season if you don’t like being stuck indoors or dealing with slippery roads. Oh! But you can take the risk and visit towards the end of August or early September, depending on when the Bole Festival date falls.

Enugu – November, December, and Easter Period

Nestled in the southeast, Enugu offers warm hospitality, lush landscapes, waterfalls, and hills, as well as a calm atmosphere that many travellers love.

The best times are November and December, when festivals, cultural events and homecomings bring energy, but the weather is still decent, with cooler mornings and less rain.

The Easter period is also lively, with cultural gatherings, people returning home, and small festivals taking place. It’s ideal if you want a mixture of nature (like visiting Ngwo Pine Forest or Awhum Waterfalls), casual city walks, and vibrant social moments.

Rains between April and October are lush and beautiful, but might limit some outdoor adventures.

Ibadan – December to March

Ibadan is a vast, historic, and underrated city. Because it sprawls, the weather can vary a bit, but generally, December to March is your best bet.

The sky is clearer, roads are better, and it’s more comfortable for exploring cultural sites like Cocoa House or Mapo Hall, visiting Agodi Gardens, ducking into markets, and seeing the colonial architecture without being drenched.

If you visit Ibadan during its peak rainy months, you might find some of what makes it charming, including lush greenery and scenic views – but also muddy paths and unpredictable showers. So, unless you’re travelling with a flexible spirit, aim for the drier stretch.

Benin City – December and January

Benin, located in the south, boasts a rich heritage, vibrant art, fascinating bronze work, a traditional monarchy, extensive markets, and beautiful old palaces. December and January are excellent months here.

The weather becomes more enjoyable, with less rain, and festive energy is high. Many local festivals take place around this time, offering visitors the chance to see traditional performances, dances, and markets in full swing.

Showers and muddy streets dampen some of the experience, especially during the rainy season. Therefore, for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and festival chasers, visiting Benin City at the end of the year is delightful.

Abeokuta, Uyo, Owerri, etc.

You may already know these, but a few other big cities like Abeokuta, Owerri, or Uyo, are also loved by travellers. If you have time, take a look.

Abeokuta is more pleasant during the dry months; Owerri shines around festive periods; Uyo is beautiful when the skies are clearer, which tends to be later in the year.

What Seasons & Festivals Should You Know

The dry season in Nigeria typically runs from November through March. That’s when travel is easiest, roads are more dependable, skies are clearer, and outdoor experiences are safest and most fun.

Rainy season (roughly April through October) brings lush landscapes but also challenges: muddy roads, unpredictable weather, swollen rivers.

Festivals matter too. Planning your trip around major festivals adds an extra layer of experience. For example, the Calabar Carnival (usually held in December), the Durbar in Kano, the Bole Festival in Port Harcourt, and various New Year and Christmas celebrations, especially in Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, and Enugu.

Harmattan (a dusty dry wind from December into part of the early year) gives cool mornings and dry air, especially in northern and central cities. It’s atmospheric, though dusty.

What to Pack & How to Plan

Because you’ll be shifting landscapes and climates, pack smart. Light layers, breathable fabrics, and a lightweight jacket are recommended if you plan to visit highlands like Jos. Good walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a waterproof bag or umbrella are also advisable for unexpected showers.

Travel often between cities, and book ahead in festive seasons. Keep an eye on weather forecasts. Respect local customs, especially during festival periods or in more conservative regions.

There you have it! Timing your trip can make all the difference between a good holiday and a great one. With this guide, you now know when Nigeria’s top cities truly shine. The next step is simple: plan bright, travel light, and experience Nigeria at its best.

And if you’re wondering how to make it all work without breaking the bank, check out our guide on Travelling to Nigeria on a Budget 2025.

Explore Nigeria and beyond through immersive travel stories, cultural journeys, hidden gems, and adventure guides that bring each destination to life.

FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Nigerian Cities

What’s the worst month to visit Nigerian cities if you want good weather?

Usually, May through September. This is the peak rainy season in many parts, especially the south. Flooding, muddy roads, disrupted transportation, and heavy downpours can spoil the fun.

Is December always the best time everywhere?

No, but it is the most festive and lively time in many cities, especially in the south, where parties, carnivals, and Christmas celebrations abound; in the north, the harmattan season makes things cooler. But there are trade-offs: crowds, cost, and busy hotels. If you prefer quiet, consider aiming for just after the festivals or during the cooler, drier months.

Can I manage a trip to Nigeria during the rainy season?

Yes, definitely, but with flexibility. Adjust your plans accordingly, set aside buffer days, and opt for more indoor or high-ground experiences when showers appear likely.

Which city is most forgiving of bad weather?

Jos probably wins here. Due to its elevation and cooler temperatures, weather extremes (heat, humidity) are less severe than in many other major cities.